Sheep and Guinness and Cliffs, Oh My!

My little brother called me yesterday and, without even saying hello, he blurted out the above. He had been following my posts on Instagram as Brian and I traveled through Ireland and was taken aback by it all. Needless to say, my answer to him was a resounding Hell yes!

I knew that exploring the country would be fantastic, but any expectations I had were blown out of the water by the true beauty of it all. And the people. Every single person we met was so cheerful and kind. In fact, I’m going to just put it out there right now: every single (good) cliche or stereo-type you’ve ever heard about Ireland? It’s true.

The people are wonderful and cheerful and kind.

The countryside is incredibly beautiful… and green! (Yes, even in November.)

The Guinness is obviously far superior.

And, yes, there are actually sheep in the road.

And cows.

Often.

While we were there, I had planned to write this big, long informative post about every single experience. I also knew that I would never actually do that. So, instead I will say this: if you have the opportunity, go! Do it!

Or, maybe just catch a buzz on a Sunday afternoon and book it whether you are presented an opportunity or not.

It was honestly the best decision I’ve ever made… while drinking. And I’ve got the photographic evidence to prove it.

So, rather than a play by play, I’m just going to hit you with some photo spam. Keep in mind, these are all unedited iPhone photos. I haven’t touched them other than to upload them. If anything, that should tell you how hard it is to take a bad photo of Ireland.

(I’ll leave the professional photos to my very talented photographer husband…)

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I am so grateful that I did not let my anxiety stop me from enjoying this trip. There was a day or two that I woke up in a bit of a panic, thinking of Ivy back home and every scenario that could possibly happen while I was away. But, luckily, I have the most reassuring mom ever – who reminded me via text that my baby was just fine – and told me to just enjoy myself. And I did. We did.

You may see some of our photos and think that my anxiety clearly can’t be that bad if I’m (literally) hanging out cliffside. But, my anxiety doesn’t visit in the actual moment of doing things. It is one hundred percent the lead up of doing things. When I’m in the moment, I don’t give much a second thought. (Though I will say, those Cliffs of Moher are no joke – and when you see my feet in that shot on the edge, I am actually inches away from the complete drop-off.)

Now I’m having anxiety in the aftermath…

Anyway, what that tells me (and maybe it’s a good reminder for you as well!) is that if we can get past the hurdle of those pesky and paralyzing what-ifs, we may find ourselves landing comfortably and enthusiastically in the Why nots?